2006 Mercedes-Benz Andare

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz Andare, more commonly known as the Sprinter in North America, offers a versatile platform for cargo and passenger transportation. The 2006 model was offered with two engine options: a 2.7L I5 diesel engine, producing approximately 154 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L V6 gasoline engine. The Sprinter is generally appreciated for its cargo capacity, fuel efficiency (diesel), and customizable configurations. However, owners have reported issues with reliability, particularly concerning electronic components and the diesel engine’s emissions system.

Engine

2.7L I5 Diesel

• Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough running engine, misfires, excessive black smoke, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace faulty injectors. It is generally recommended to replace all injectors at the same time to ensure even fuel distribution and optimal engine performance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per injector (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, black smoke, boost pressure issues.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the turbocharger. This may involve replacing the turbocharger assembly or repairing individual components like the wastegate actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+ (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, poor performance, excessive black smoke, engine stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR valve. Cleaning may provide temporary relief, but replacement is usually necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6 Gasoline

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak points include the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and front/rear crankshaft seals.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

All Transmissions

• Transmission Slipping/Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, slipping between gears, harsh or erratic shifts, “limp mode” activation. Often related to low fluid level, contaminated fluid, or internal component wear.
  • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, further diagnosis is needed to identify potentially damaged internal components such as valve bodies, solenoids, or clutch packs. Transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300 (fluid flush/filter) / $2500 - $6000+ (rebuild/replacement including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or clunking noise from the front suspension, excessive play in the steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints. It’s generally recommended to replace both ball joints on the same axle at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ per side (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Leaf Spring Sagging/Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting lower than normal, reduced load capacity, rough ride, visible cracks in the leaf springs.
  • Solution: Replace the worn or damaged leaf springs. Upgrading to heavier-duty springs may be beneficial for vehicles that frequently carry heavy loads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ per side (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Faulty Door Lock Actuators
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly with the remote or interior switch.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per door (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Issues (Diesel Engine)
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather, white smoke on startup, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty glow plugs. It is recommended to replace all glow plugs at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster display, inaccurate readings, warning lights illuminating incorrectly.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, sticking or binding, excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Adjust or replace the sliding door rollers, tracks, or latches. Lubrication may provide temporary relief.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the complexity of the repair (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor not working on any or all speeds, reduced airflow from the vents, unusual noises from the blower motor area.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor or blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (Andare) can be a reliable workhorse, but owners should be aware of potential issues. The 2.7L diesel engine can be prone to injector and turbocharger problems, which can be costly to repair. Electrical issues, such as door lock actuator and instrument cluster failures, are also relatively common. Suspension components, particularly ball joints and leaf springs, may require replacement over time, especially on vehicles that are frequently used for heavy hauling. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission rebuilds or turbocharger replacements, can be quite costly.